Massage Establishment Permit

The Emeryville Police Department will issue operating permit for massage establishments; any massage establishments operating without a permit will be cited.

Process Overview

Obtain a business license, submit the Massage Establishment Permit Application(PDF, 742KB), and pay Permit Application fee at:

The Emeryville Cashier Counter
1333 Park Avenue, Emeryville
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
                Fridays, by appointment

Please note that the fee is due before the application can be processed and is non-refundable. Payment by cash, check, or card.

Complete a background check application(PDF, 131KB) for each applicant, business owner, and personnel/employee and delivery personnel identified in the main application. The background check forms may be dropped off with the main application or may be submitted individually by employees to the Emeryville Cashier Counter. Background check applications are due Oct 1 for renewal by Jan 1 on a calendar year basis.

Required Documents

The following documents are required as part of your Massage Establishment Permit Application:

• Business License
• Receipts showing payment of Annual Massage Establishment Permit Fee
• Statement of the nature and character of the business
• Proof and results of safety inspection of the business premises, as performed by a City Building Inspector within twelve (12) months prior to the date of the application; a certificate of occupancy shall satisfy this requirement.
• Background check application(PDF, 131KB) for each applicant, business owner, and personnel/employee and delivery personnel identified in the main application. The background check application requires:
  • The name and current address of applicant
  • Criminal records (if applicable)
  • Recent photograph (taken no later than 6 months prior to the date of the application)
  • Complete set of fingerprints

License Fees

All fees must be processed through the Cashier Desk, 1333 Park Ave, Emeryville. Please note that fees are effective 7/1/2022 and are subject to change; you are responsible for double checking the amount on Master Fee Schedule(PDF, 405KB). Payment by cash, check, or card.

• Business License Fee: The operational permit fee is $59. The annual business license tax schedule is < or = 3 employees = $200; 4-6 employees= $400; 7+ employees = $800. There is a $10 annual renewal fee.
• Annual Massage Establishment Permit Fee: $653
• Employee Permit (AKA Background Check) Application Fee: $522/employee